Dog Food Portion Calculator
Calculate daily food portions for your dog based on weight, activity level, and life stage.
What is a dog food portion calculator?
The dog food portion calculator uses Resting Energy Requirement (RER) and a multiplier for life stage and activity to estimate daily caloric needs.
Formula
RER = 70 × weight_kg^0.75. DER = RER × life-stage factor × activity multiplier.
Worked example
50-lb adult, moderate activity: 22.7 kg → RER 678 kcal → DER 1085 kcal. At 350 kcal/cup: ~3.1 cups/day, 1.55 per meal.
How to use this calculator
- Enter weight, activity, life stage.
- Check your food bag for calories per cup (typically 350–450).
- Daily portion appears.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a substitute for vet advice?
No — these are starting estimates. Adjust based on body condition (rib visibility, waist), and consult your vet for medical conditions.
How often should I feed?
Adult dogs: twice daily. Puppies under 4 months: 4 meals. 4–6 months: 3 meals. 6+ months: 2 meals. Consistency matters more than exact count.
Can I free-feed?
Generally not recommended — most dogs overeat. Scheduled meals improve weight management and house training.
What if my dog is overweight?
Use ideal weight (not current) in the calculator, plus reduce by 10–15%. Slow weight loss (1–2% per week) is healthiest.